Las Vegas Ignition Interlock Attorney
Legally Reviewed By:
Criminal Defense Attorney at De Castroverde Law Group
Member of the Nevada Justice Association’s Membership Committee; Guardian of Justice, Board of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Department Foundation, Nevada State Bar
A DUI conviction has harsh penalties in Nevada, which makes early Las Vegas DUI defense important. On top of the steep fines, community service hours, alcohol classes, and possible jail time, a judge may require an ignition interlock on a vehicle. An ignition interlock device is expensive to upkeep and can cause other daily hassles; if you face the possibility of having this device, talk with a Las Vegas ignition interlock attorney about your options.
What Is An Ignition Interlock?
An ignition interlock device, or IID, is a type of breath testing device that connects with the starting mechanism of a vehicle and does not allow the vehicle to start unless a clean breath sample is administered. The device may be set to allow vehicle operation as long as a driver has a blood alcohol concentration that is less than .02% (or another predetermined level).
To start the vehicle, the driver must submit a passing breath sample. At random intervals while the vehicle is in use, the device will require additional breath samples. This is to prevent a driver from having another person submit a clean sample only to drive off and continue operating the vehicle with an unlawful blood alcohol level.
If the driver fails to provide a breath sample or provides a breath sample that fails, the ignition interlock device will make a record of this and will sound the car’s horn/flash the car’s lights until the driver pulls over and turns off the vehicle.
Fight Your DUI Penalties
Nevada courts must order an ignition interlock device after most DUI convictions, even a first offense. A driver convicted of a first violation within seven years generally has to install a device for at least 185 days. That period starts when the DMV issues an ignition interlock privilege, and it pauses while the driver is in jail, on probation or parole, in residential confinement, or under a treatment provider’s supervision. The driver pays for the device and must have it inspected, calibrated, and monitored at least once every 90 days.
A high blood alcohol concentration raises the stakes. A result of 0.16% or more also requires an alcohol evaluation and a treatment program. Repeat offenses and felony charges can bring much longer interlock periods. Because the device follows a conviction, the best way to avoid it is to challenge the charges. A knowledgeable Las Vegas criminal lawyer can help you fight your case and avoid a conviction altogether, eliminating the possibility that you will face this serious penalty.
Contact a Las Vegas ignition interlock attorney from De Castroverde Law at (725) 222-9999 today to discuss your case and how we can help you fight to avoid installation of an ignition interlock device.
